The Editor, Sir:

Once again, the powers that be have failed to produce a first-class homecoming befitting the hard work and success of our Olympians. By having the parade on a Friday during the school and workday, thousands of Jamaicans missed the opportunity to show their support for the Olympians.

What was highlighted, however, was the large number of obviously unemployed Jamaicans that were able to line the streets at points. The lack of proper security control to allow the free movement of the float, as well as emergency vehicles, certainly underscored our lack of regard for efficiency and high-quality organisation.

Classless display

The special awards ceremony at the National Stadium started out fairly well and then descended into 'gullyism.' At one point, an announcement was made that there would be an address from Opposition Spokesperson Lisa Hanna, but the public is still waiting for that address.

I am still trying to make sense of the parade of our male athletes with the half-naked women draped in the colours of the flag. In a society with great social decay, the State must not be seen as furthering the proliferation of decadence.

We must also be careful that we do not undermine the effort of the other athletes by classless displays of Boltmania.

While I applaud Usain Bolt for his obvious talent, tremendous success plus great showmanship, we have to be careful that we do not overshadow the other athletes who gave of their best.

One fiasco

I really hope Minister 'Babsy' Grange has no intention of patting herself on the shoulder. She was completely out of her league. My sincere apologies to the athletes and I commend them for enduring one fiasco after another. You did us proud and you deserve better.

I am, etc.,

L. GREEN

accompong22@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica